Being the Expert vs. Having Expert Contributors
At Constructech the editors pride themselves on being respected as technology experts in covering the solutions that appear on the pages of this magazine. It’s essential that we know who are the technology players. What are the solutions they bring to market? And of course, what differentiates them from the other tech tools serving the same markets? We like to say we have the technology expertise to be industry experts while most other magazines seek out contributors who have industry knowledge either because they have developed the technology or have consulted with the companies who have developed these solutions.
Constructech takes a broad brush when covering the marketplace rather than reporting on one specific solution. Yes, these industry experts probably are more knowledgeable on one subject matter, but we sometimes challenge the objectivity of their commentary when they are writing mainly about what they know from their vantage point rather than from that of the entire industry.
For instance, how can a vendor who creates accounting software be as objective about all the players if that individual has developed an accounting software package? It stands to reason that there is probably going to be some bias, perhaps not intentionally, but just by the fact that this person’s knowledge, and even comfort, comes from an understanding of what he or she has already developed in his or her own solution. If this individual believes a specific application should be more robust, it stands to reason that he or she would have modeled the software that way from the beginning or at some point in a software upgrade.
Thus, Constructech has spent the past 10 years developing a total view and expertise of the construction technology landscape, gathering the necessary expertise rather than catering to the vendors in one specific field. With the coaching of our editorial advisory board we have made Constructech a much stronger and more robust publication in the process. And that is what makes Constructech a different publication than all the rest. These are tough times and only with your help can we continue to make Constructech a valuable tool to you. So even though you are very busy we ask that you continue to contribute to shape the magazine and give your feedback. Together we can build a stronger technology community and weed out the weaker solutions.